Electric Field Inside a Cylindrical Gaussian Surface: Exploiting Symmetry

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the electric field inside a cylindrical Gaussian surface in relation to volume charge density. Participants clarify that the charge configuration is essential for understanding the electric field, particularly in the context of an infinitely long cylinder. The concept of exploiting symmetry is emphasized, suggesting the use of a cylindrical Gaussian surface aligned with the cylinder's axis to simplify calculations. It is noted that the infinite nature of the cylinder allows for certain aspects of the Gaussian surface to be disregarded in the analysis. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of symmetry and charge distribution in calculating the electric field.
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What is the electric field inside a cylindrical Gaussian surface in terms of volume charge density?
 
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What is the charge configuration ie. how are the charges distributed? Or are you referring to \nabla \cdot \mathbf{D} = p_V?
 
I'm not familiar with that notation (the upside down triangle). I was given volume charge density and needed to find the electric field inside an infinitly long cylinder. I know rho (vol. charge density) = Q/V but don't know what to use for the volume, since it's infinite.
 
Okay, then in that case just ignore the notation above. Now, exploit symmetry here. Do this by considering a cylindrical Gaussian surface in the cylinder with the same geometrical axis. How do you find the flux through the closed surface and hence the field? Never mind if it's infinite. That is just a hint to ignore some parts of the Gaussian surface.
 

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